Project LEAD, Telangana, joined forces with the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide initiative to saturate rural communities with the benefits of government schemes during 2 January 2024-9 January 2024. Focusing on active case finding (ACF) for TB in Hyderabad district, Project LEAD played a crucial role in screening, referral and awareness efforts.

Over the four days, Project Leveraging, Engaging and Advocating to Disrupt TB Transmission or LEAD screened a total of 176 individuals across four hotspots: Tukaram Gate, MCH Ground Lalapet, Thalla Vashti in Kavadiguda and Achaiah Nagar and Fever Hospital. Screenings included symptom checks, sputum testing and NAAT machine analysis (where available). Presumed TB cases were referred to higher facilities for confirmatory diagnosis. Staff from the project team actively engaged with participants, conducting awareness sessions on causes of TB, symptoms, and prevention in both Lalapet and Musheerabad TB Units. Furthermore, the team facilitated sputum transportation to Gandhi Hospital and Fever Hospital, and assisted patients with obtaining chest X-Ray forms. The team effectively built trust and encouraged participation in the ACF camp.

Project LEAD’s participation in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in tackling TB. By combining screening, awareness and support services, Project LEAD is making significant strides in early detection and treatment of TB in Hyderabad.

Project LEAD is being implemented by Human People to People India (HPPI) in collaboration with the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) of India, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., funded by USAID under the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA) Programme, to facilitate TB services for the urban ultra-poor.